A PUBLIC consultation on initial plans for a Mersey tidal power scheme has begun today (Tuesday, October 1).
It is a chance to comment on Liverpool City Region Combined Authority's plans for a multi-billion-pound barrage across the River Mersey that, it is claimed, 'will deliver enough clean, predictable energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes for 120 years'.
A consultation website has also been created at www.merseytidal.co.uk
Ten public engagement events will also be held across the city region and surrounding areas in which people can view details of the scheme, ask questions and have their say.
Wirral consultation events are at Delamere Community Centre on Delamere Avenue, Eastham on Friday, October 11 from 2-7pm and the Floral Pavilion Theatre in New Brighton on Thursday, October 17 from 2-7pm.
A consultation event will also be held at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall on Civic Way in Ellesmere Port on Monday, November 4 from 2-7pm.
The authority has submitted a Scoping Report to the Planning Inspectorate, agreeing to ecology surveys that will need to be prepared ahead of a planning submission in 2026.
The consultation begins just days after the project entered the formal planning process, with the submission of a scoping report to the Planning Inspectorate to agree the ecology surveys that will need to be prepared ahead of a planning submission in 2026.
Submitting a scoping opinion is the first step towards preparing a Development Control Order (DCO) submission – a process which typically takes two to three years.
"With the launch of our first public consultation and the start of the formal planning process, Mersey Tidal Power is moving closer to reality than at any stage in our history.
“This project has the potential to power hundreds of thousands of homes with renewable energy for 120 years while creating thousands of green jobs.
"It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to cement our position as Britain’s Renewable Energy Coast and help lead the global charge to net zero.
"This is about much more than just an energy generation scheme - it's a chance to build a lasting legacy for our people and our planet."
Feedback from the consultation will help develop project proposals and will be considered alongside ongoing engineering design and environmental assessment work.
A report to the Combined Authority’s meeting in March revealed the city region is pursuing a barrage between Wirral and Liverpool as the preferred option for the Mersey Tidal Power project.
Over the last three years, the authority has undertaken work to develop the potential scope of the scheme, which could be up and running within a decade, playing a huge role in the region’s push to be net zero carbon by 2035 – at least a decade ahead of national targets.
Mersey Tidal Power would add to offshore wind, hydrogen and solar projects as the city region becomes the UK’s Renewable Energy Coast – providing greater domestic energy security.
The March report to the Combined Authority noted a barrage option would be less expensive than a man-made lagoon, requiring less material and more appropriate levels of government support.
The multi-billion-pound Mersey Tidal Power project would use tried and tested technology for the first time in the UK.
There will be further opportunities to provide feedback will take place as the project progresses.
A further round of statutory consultation is planned for 2025, during which refined proposals will be presented for comment. Following the statutory consultation, proposals will be finalised ahead of an application for a Development Consent Order.
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